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As we honor America’s veterans this week, confusion continues to swirl around the issue of unemployment for these former military men and women. While overall veteran unemployment has historically been less than for the workforce as a whole (recent Bureau of Labor statistics data for example shows that the national unemployment rate in October stood at 7.3 percent, while for all veterans it was 6.3 percent). Yet, the younger, post-9/11 veteran unemployment rate was 10 percent, and this is not a one-time spike. In 2012, the Congressional Research Service noted that post-9/11 veteran rates of unemployment have run above both the national and overall veteran rates for the past four years. This has not changed in 2013.

Why the difference among veteran groups? According to THEBLAZE.COM (10/25/13), an online news journal, there are multiple reasons.

A maze of nearly 4,000 different laws and regulations, at all levels of government, exist relative to the attainment of professional and vocational licenses needed for employment. Under these laws, returning veterans are often expected to complete redundant training for jobs they were previously trained for by the military. Nursing, IT, welding, mechanics and commercial driving are among the problem areas.

The post-9/11 veteran tends to be younger and less experienced than those of older conflicts.

Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have reported a perceived bias against their hiring because of employer fears around their emotional stability. Highly publicized accounts of the challenges faced by those with PTSD and other health concerns (physical and mental) have created national sympathy for the sacrifices made by these veterans. However, they have also magnified concerns around the risk of employing those returning from these conflicts. While perhaps understandable, statistics do not support these fears. The overwhelming majority of returning veterans have successfully transitioned to civilian life and employment. Yes, many of these men and women have had experiences that may haunt them for life. Nonetheless, they have also shown themselves to be talented, productive, and reliable workers. The discipline, training and responsibility that have been a part of their lives in uniform have been seen to serve them well as employers in organizations of all size and type.

The President’s Council of Economic Advisers reported earlier this year that as we draw down from Afghanistan, the military is expected to separate a million service members over several years. This will be in addition to the approximately 300,000 who return to the civilian world each year under normal circumstances (2/13).

If we are truly to help the current generation of veterans, we need to assist in their return to the civilian workforce. A recent Excelsior College Patriot Poll (conducted by the Center for Research and Public Policy among 864 veterans and active duty personnel nationwide) found thatadvice on the applicability of military training to education and jobs (84%), job placement (82%) and career counseling (79%) were among their top concerns.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that finding a job ranks above “returning to school” or “completing my degree,” especially for those with a family. Thus, short academic programs which lead to a credential valued by employers (i.e. project management, freight forwarding, various software and IT certificates) are of particular interest. Once employed, and only then, these returning military turn their attention to school.

Employer, higher education and veterans organizations must work together if we are to provide today’s veterans with meaningful employment and a shot at the American Dream. They have earned our support.